Tackling the unseen virus at the unseen frontier

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 65-68
Author(s):  
Cholan Anandarajah ◽  
Matilda Elliott ◽  
Koravangattu Valsraj
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Health Unit ◽  
Compassionate Care ◽  
Mental Health Staff ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Healthcare Environments ◽  
Mental Health Settings ◽  
Mental Health Unit

There has been widespread coverage, attention and discussion regarding the anxieties of COVID-19 pandemic in health and social care settings; however, compared to other healthcare environments, mental health care settings have not received a similar level of attention and concern. Interestingly there are unique challenges in mental health units and at the height of the pandemic there has been a significant impact on staff, patients and carers. Mental health staff have had to adapt their ways of working, focusing more on the physical health of patients and caring for COVID positive patients in a mental health unit. Anxiety about the infection spreading to other patients and to staff who interact very closely with patients were significant concerns, with the additional difficulties of accessing the appropriate PPE during the early stages of the outbreak. Some challenges are unique to mental health settings and become even more intense within a psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU). These include difficulties with isolation, social distancing and the reluctance of patients to wear masks. The lessons learnt caring for the most challenging patients in a PICU are explored. The adaptability, flexibility and commitment to providing kind, compassionate care at the height of the COVID pandemic is remarkable.

scholarly journals The impact of Recovery Colleges on mental health staff, services and society

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 481-488 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Crowther ◽  
A. Taylor ◽  
R. Toney ◽  
S. Meddings ◽  
T. Whale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Advisory Panel ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Mental Health Staff ◽  
Social Care Service ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
The Impact

AbstractAimsRecovery Colleges are opening internationally. The evaluation focus has been on outcomes for Recovery College students who use mental health services. However, benefits may also arise for: staff who attend or co-deliver courses; the mental health and social care service hosting the Recovery College; and wider society. A theory-based change model characterising how Recovery Colleges impact at these higher levels is needed for formal evaluation of their impact, and to inform future Recovery College development. The aim of this study was to develop a stratified theory identifying candidate mechanisms of action and outcomes (impact) for Recovery Colleges at staff, services and societal levels.MethodsInductive thematic analysis of 44 publications identified in a systematised review was supplemented by collaborative analysis involving a lived experience advisory panel to develop a preliminary theoretical framework. This was refined through semi-structured interviews with 33 Recovery College stakeholders (service user students, peer/non-peer trainers, managers, community partners, clinicians) in three sites in England.ResultsCandidate mechanisms of action and outcomes were identified at staff, services and societal levels. At the staff level, experiencing new relationships may change attitudes and associated professional practice. Identified outcomes for staff included: experiencing and valuing co-production; changed perceptions of service users; and increased passion and job motivation. At the services level, Recovery Colleges often develop somewhat separately from their host system, reducing the reach of the college into the host organisation but allowing development of an alternative culture giving experiential learning opportunities to staff around co-production and the role of a peer workforce. At the societal level, partnering with community-based agencies gave other members of the public opportunities for learning alongside people with mental health problems and enabled community agencies to work with people they might not have otherwise. Recovery Colleges also gave opportunities to beneficially impact on community attitudes.ConclusionsThis study is the first to characterise the mechanisms of action and impact of Recovery Colleges on mental health staff, mental health and social care services, and wider society. The findings suggest that a certain distance is needed in the relationship between the Recovery College and its host organisation if a genuine cultural alternative is to be created. Different strategies are needed depending on what level of impact is intended, and this study can inform decision-making about mechanisms to prioritise. Future research into Recovery Colleges should include contextual evaluation of these higher level impacts, and investigate effectiveness and harms.

scholarly journals Visual acuity and reported eye problems among psychiatric in-patients

2006 ◽  
Vol 30 (8) ◽  
pp. 297-299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhaskar Punukollu ◽  
Michael Phelan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Inner City ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Contact Lenses ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Health Unit ◽  
Mental Health Staff ◽  
Eye Problems ◽  
Mental Health Unit

Aims and MethodThe aim of this study was to examine visual problems among patients admitted to an inner city acute mental health unit. We measured visual acuity using a Snellen chart. Patients were also asked about perceived eye problems and access to services.ResultsOf 55 in-patients on five acute general adult wards at an inner city mental health unit over a 3-day period, 31 agreed to participate in the study. Twenty (65%) had impaired visual acuity and 19 (61%) had not been to an optician for 5 or more years. Seventeen patients (55%) reported experiencing difficulty with their eyesight. The main problems reported were blurring of vision and periorbital pain. Of these 17 patients, 15 (88%) had impaired visual acuity on Snellen testing. Half of those who had previously been prescribed glasses or contact lenses reported that they had been lost.Clinical ImplicationsVisual impairment appears to be another area of physical health which is underrecognised and undertreated in people with severe mental health problems. Although there are numerous issues that must be addressed by mental health staff, patients should be asked about eye problems and supported in accessing opticians.

scholarly journals Veterans Health Administration staff experiences with suicidal ideation screening and risk assessment in the context of COVID-19

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0261921
Author(s):  
Summer Newell ◽  
Lauren Denneson ◽  
Annabelle Rynerson ◽  
Sarah Rabin ◽  
Victoria Elliott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Veterans Health ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mental Health Staff ◽  
Populations At Risk ◽  
Mental Health Settings

Universal screening for suicidal ideation in primary care and mental health settings has become a key prevention tool in many healthcare systems, including the Veterans Healthcare Administration (VHA). In response to the coronavirus pandemic, healthcare providers faced a number of challenges, including how to quickly adapt screening practices. The objective of this analyses was to learn staff perspectives on how the pandemic impacted suicide risk screening in primary care and mental health settings. Forty semi-structured interviews were conducted with primary care and mental health staff between April-September 2020 across 12 VHA facilities. A multi-disciplinary team employed a qualitative thematic analysis using a hybrid inductive/deductive approach. Staff reported multiple concerns for patients during the crisis, especially regarding vulnerable populations at risk for social isolation. Lack of clear protocols at some sites on how to serve patients screening positive for suicidal ideation created confusion for staff and led some sites to temporarily stop screening. Sites had varying degrees of adaptability to virtual based care, with the biggest challenge being completion of warm hand-offs to mental health specialists. Unanticipated opportunities that emerged during this time included increased ability of patients and staff to conduct virtual care, which is expected to continue benefit post-pandemic.

scholarly journals Staff attitudes to completely smoke-free policies and smoking cessation practices in a mental health setting

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 403-411
Author(s):  
A Ratier-Cruz ◽  
J G Smith ◽  
M Firn ◽  
M Rinaldi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Policy Support ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Staff Attitudes ◽  
Mental Health Staff ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mental Health Settings

ABSTRACT Background Mental health trusts in England were expected to become completely smoke-free and embed smoking cessation practices by 2018. Such policies are fraught with concerns and have received mixed support from mental health staff. Understanding staff attitudes to these practices prior to enforcement of the policy could help design an effective implementation strategy. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted with clinical and non-clinical staff in a Mental Health Trust to understand smoking cessation practices and attitudes to the implementation of a completely smoke-free policy. Results There were 631 responses. Most participants disagreed with the policy on wards (59.6%) and throughout all mental health settings (57.4%). Clinicians expressed significantly lower organizational policy support (P = 0.001) than non-clinicians (P = 0.001). Psychiatrists were more supportive of the organizational items than nurses and allied health professionals. Clinicians’ attitudes towards smoking cessation practices were less positive for those who were current smokers (P < 0.001), but more positive for clinicians who had received or were interested in attending smoking cessation training (P < 0.001). Conclusions Partial and completely smoke-free policies remain unsupported by staff in mental health settings. Smoking cessation training appears to reinforce rather than alter attitudes towards smoking cessation.

scholarly journals DIFICULDADES VIVENCIADAS POR PROFISSIONAIS DA ESTRATÉGIA SAÚDE DA FAMÍLIA FRENTE AO ACOLHIMENTO AOS PACIENTES COM TRANSTORNOS MENTAIS NO MUNICÍPIO DE MARACAÇUMÉ – MA

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Ana Patrícia Fonseca Coelho GALVÃO ◽  
Dheny Antônia Martins SILVA ◽  
Fábio Batista MIRANDA
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Staff Training ◽  
National Policy ◽  
Family Health ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Health Unit ◽  
Mental Health Staff ◽  
Working Process

Introdução: A Política Nacional de Saúde Mental brasileira tem defendido nas últimas décadas a necessidade de abordagem de pessoas com sofrimento ou transtorno mental nas unidades básicas de saúde, com a intenção de substituir o modelo asilar, oferecendo acolhimento e suporte a esse público. Objetivo: Investigar as dificuldades que os profissionais de Estratégia Saúde da Família vivenciam frente ao acolhimento aos pacientes portadores de transtornos mentais. Metodologia: Estudo descrito, prospectivo, de caráter quantitativo, realizado nas Unidades Básicas do Município de Maracaçumé – MA. A população foi composta por todos os integrantes atuantes durante a realização da pesquisa na Estratégia Saúde da Família, totalizando 40 profissionais. Resultados: Após análise dos dados, constataram-se dificuldades na coordenação do cuidado a pacientes com transtornos mentais, percebidas pelo próprio serviço. E além de questões relacionados ao núcleo familiar em que ele está inserido.  Outro ponto, o processo de trabalho do ACS volta-se para o estabelecimento de um vínculo com os usuários na atenção à saúde mental através da visita domiciliar, sendo ferramenta do cuidado e se constitui num atributo essencial da APS. Conclusão: O estudo evidenciou que os profissionais enfrentam dificuldades para garantir cuidado e acolhimento a pacientes portadores de transtornos mentais, mostrando a necessidade de capacitação para as equipes de saúde, um maior vínculo com as comunidades e a tentativa de mostrar às famílias que sua participação é fundamental no processo de adesão e continuidade do tratamento, coincidindo com os objetivos da Reforma Psiquiátrica.   THE DIFFICULTIES EXPERIENCED BY PROFESSIONALS FROM A FAMILY HEALTH UNIT FACING THE RECEPTION OF PATIENTS WITH MENTAL DISORDERS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF MARACAÇUMÉ – MA   ABSTRACT Introduction: The Mental Health National Policy in Brazil has defended in recent years the necessity of an approach for people suffering from mental disorders at health units, aiming at substituting the asylum model, hosting, and supporting that community. Purpose: To review the difficulties that professionals from a Family Health Unit experience when facing the reception of patients with mental disorders. Methodology:  A descriptive study, prospective, quantitative, carried out at Health Care Units in the municipality of Maracaçumé – MA. The population was formed by all the employees working while the study was conducted, totaling 40 professionals. Results: After data analysis, difficulties in managing the patients with mental disorders were noticed, by the service by itself, besides the issues regarding the familiar nucleus, where the patient was incorporated. Another issue, the CHA working process aims at strengthening the bonds with patients at mental health attention through home visits as a tool for assistance and it has become a critical trait for PHC. Conclusion: The study reveals that professionals face difficulties to ensure the care and reception to patients with mental disorders; it evidences the necessity for the mental health staff training, a stronger bond with the community, and the attempt to show families that their participation is crucial for the adherence and consistency of the treatment, coinciding with the Psychiatric Reform goals.     Descriptors: Family Health Unit. Mental disorders. Reception.

scholarly journals Violence and aggression in psychiatric settings: reporting to the police

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 146-151
Author(s):  
Susham Gupta ◽  
Elvan U. Akyuz ◽  
Jonathan Flint ◽  
Toby Baldwin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Healthcare Organisation ◽  
List Type ◽  
Mental Health Staff ◽  
Criminal Proceedings ◽  
Health And Social Care

SUMMARYViolence and aggression are relatively common and serious occurrences in health and social care and rates are higher in mental health settings. Despite the National Health Service's policy of ‘zero tolerance’ of such behaviour, reporting of violence and aggression against mental health staff remains low. This article considers the nature of violence and aggression against staff in psychiatric settings and the process of involving the police to ensure an effective outcome. It outlines each step, from the initial the multidisciplinary team assessment of the incident and its reporting to the police to the making of witness statements, should the case come to court. It also explains the discretionary role of the police in deciding whether to charge and of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in deciding whether to prosecute. The article stresses that NHS organisations need to provide an effective, streamlined and time-efficient reporting process, as this should reduce levels of patient violence, improve staff's well-being and morale, save costs and make the working environment safer for all.LEARNING OBJECTIVES•Raise awareness of the underreporting to the police of incidents of violence and aggression against staff by psychiatric patients and recognise the benefits of reporting such incidents•Develop a framework for assessment and reporting of such incidents committed to the police and to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), in the event of possible or actual criminal proceedings•Develop an understanding of the role of the healthcare organisation, the police and the CPS when such incidents are reported to the policeDECLARATION OF INTERESTNone.

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